Preview
Description
Bacteria modify the global mineral cycle in two important ways: they induce nearby minerals to precipitate (settle out of solution), and they internally manufacture minerals. Bacteria swimming in a river help precipitate the great gold deposits of South Africa. Today, these wee wonders head for the mines in Russia. Miners pump microbes and water into thin or hard-to-reach veins.
Initial research indicates that microbes biologically induce over 27 kinds of minerals. Which minerals these versatile fellows form depends upon their environment and their own genetic capabilities.
Date Created
1997
Holding Institution
University of Montana--Missoula. Environmental Studies Program
Rights Statement
Rights Holder
© 1997 Stiftung Drittes Millennium
Item Type
Exhibit
Digital File Format
image/jpeg
Media Type
Text; Image
Digital Image Number
22_wtt_file02_20-39.jpg
Recommended Citation
Liebes, Sid; Mittelstadt, Laurie; Waugh, Barbara; and Brynes, Lois, "Panel 22: Microbial Mining And Manufacturing" (1997). A Walk Through Time - From Stardust To Us. 22.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/awalkthroughtime/22